Richard Cairns, the TUV candidate for South Antrim, has claimed that Belfast International Airport has been neglected. Mr Cairns said:
“On Wednesday afternoon along with my party leader Jim Allister, I attended a meeting with Graham Keddie, the Managing Director of Belfast International Airport. Mr Keddie has a clear vision for Belfast International and it was apparent that it has a lot more to offer that it is currently being enabled to do.
“Belfast International is a key employer in South Antrim, having 4000 jobs dependent on its success. With the options for an Enterprise Zone being explored by the airport, the chance to grow and create new jobs is an opportunity that needs to be taken. I fully support Mr Keddie in making this a reality.
“Belfast International Airport should be the hub of tourism and business in Northern Ireland as it is the gateway into the country. Unfortunately, it has been frustrated by how tourism is marketed for Northern Ireland and a lack of investment in infrastructure.
“The development of the International Airport and adequate public transport links, including a rail link and dual carriageway connection to the M2, should be prioritised, especially now that Dublin – which already steals so much of our air traffic – is considering a direct rail link from Belfast. There is something radically wrong with the government of Northern Ireland if passengers can connect by rail to Dublin airport but not to our own international airport.
“On the international market Northern Ireland is being held back as it is promoted by Tourism Ireland which sells Ireland as a single destination. Tourism NI is even prohibited from promoting Northern Ireland in Great Britain! This is hampering the growth of the tourism industry.
“To compound that, air passenger duty on short haul flights in Northern Ireland makes Dublin a more attractive proposition for airlines and passengers where they have abolished the tax.
“By failing to prioritise Belfast International Airport tourism will go to Dublin and the airport will not be able to compete.”